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Article information Volume 2, Number 4. 54-64.(2016)

Article Received: 1/10/2016 ISSN: 2395-0595
Acceptance: 14/10/2016

Translation of Scientific Terms from English into Telugu: Factors and Strategies

1
Kuncham Venkanna , 2Ravinder Padya

1
Senior Research Fellow (SRF)
Department of English Language Education (ELE)
English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad (India)
2
Senior Research Fellow (SRF)
Department of Translation Studies (TS)
The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. (India)
___________________________________________________________________
Abstract
This paper is an attempt to explore the factors and strategies of translation from
English to Telugu. Firstly, the use of translation strategies is presented and in
particular the ones adapted while translating the Biology textbooks from English
to Telugu are presented in a tabular form according to the class-wise. Secondly,
the problems of translation are presented in detail and especially the emerging
problems of translation when these practices are carried out from English to
Telugu are presented. It, thirdly, highlights the problems due to pronunciation
(consonants and consonants clusters, voice and voiceless sounds, silent letters,
long and short vowels, etc.), morphological (suffixes, prefixes, compounds, etc.),
and syntactical aspects (word order, sentence patterns, etc.). And finally the
impact of these factors and strategies on the learning/ teaching performance of
students is interpreted and analyzed.
Keywords: Translation, Factors, Strategies, Problems, Pronunciation.
.
Cite this article as: Venkanna , K & Padya , R .(2016) Translation of Scientific Terms
from English into Telugu: Factors and Strategies. ELT Vibes: International E-Journal
For Research in ELT. 2 (4). 54-64.
 ELT VIBES: International E-Journal For Research in ELT
Volume 2, Number 4 .54-64. (2016)
ISSN: 2395-0595

Introduction

With English being the model for the Indian languages in the new educational
environment created by colonialism, the Indian languages perennially demoted to
secondary position as they became receiving the languages. The position of
Indian languages will not change unless they over take English in their race for
imitation, in terms of vehicle of new knowledge and medium of education
system. Overtaking English means, to put it in simple terms, equipping Indian
languages with the conceptual repertoire to signify not only Indian reality but
also the fast changes that are happening everywhere and a power to intervene in
the changes. In this context, whether in receiving new knowledge available in
English or in making Indian languages signify new knowledge systems, the
significant role was played by coining of new terms to borrow new knowledge
and to reflect the changes that were brought in by the dual combination of
colonialism and modernity.

In the modern world, the available literature either advise the translators or the
terminologist on what are the principles that they need to keep in mind while
translating; or the problems of such a process; or cautioning against certain
pitfalls in the process. But, there is hardly any empirical study of looking at the
translated material and then trying to see what are the problems in the existing
translated material and then analyzing the reasons for those problems. Hence, the
present study in that sense is a modest attempt to be part of descriptive translation
studies rather than prescriptive or advisory in nature. I have no illusions that this
attempt would identify all the problems in translating scientific terms into Indian
languages in general or Telugu in particular. However, certainly this would be a
necessary step in identifying the problems in the area of Descriptive Translation
Studies with regard to Indian languages are concerned.

Justification for taking up the 8th to 10th Class textbooks

The researchers have chosen the 8th to 10th Class biology textbooks of Telugu
medium, as the students of these classes have some knowledge of previous
classes to understand the scientific words.

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ISSN: 2395-0595

Moreover, these textbooks contain broader scope of knowledge, which require

improving students knowledge for higher classes. Moreover, the content given in
this textbook is helpful in their day-to-day life, and makes them learn themselves
with some efforts. Some of the important source of knowledge will be repeated in
the form of new concepts in their further studies therefore, it is believed that these
textbooks will be helpful for gaining knowledge and useful for future studies.

The Objectives of the Research: The present paper intends to:

Evaluate of translation strategies employed by the translators in translating

scientific terms from English to Telugu (medium Biology) textbooks.
Find out the problems of translators during the translation of terms from
English to Telugu.
Look at the factors that play a major role in translating scientific terms from
English into Telugu such as difference in the phonetic system of the two
languages while borrowing from English into Telugu.

Discussion in Telugu Linguistics on Borrowing, other-language/land words,

standard/modern Telugu

Telugu, one of the Dravidian families of languages, has borrowed many words
from other languages into it (Krishnamurthy, 2003). While discussing the issue of
anya deshaalu (other language words) in Telugu, Toomati Donappa (2006)
takes issues with whether Telugu has borrowed words from Sanskrit or Prakrit,
and his contention is that though there are two groups of writers in Telugu each
borrowing either from Sanskrit or Prakrit the number of words borrowed from
Sanskrit in Telugu is more than the ones borrowed from Sanskrit. He does so by
analyzing the form of the borrowed/acquired word in Telugu and comparing that
with both Sanskrit and Prakrit words (Donappa, 1974). He argues for a nuanced
study of this kind of acquiring into Telugu. According to Chinnaya Suri (2003), it
is proved that out of five words in Telugu one belongs to Sanskrit.

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ISSN: 2395-0595

The following table presents the strategies of translation adopted according to

class in the science textbooks of classes:

Biology Simply Equivalent Partially Total

Text Book transliterated used Translated
8th 183 55 9 247
Standard
9th 258 58 24 340
Standard
10th 165 37 16 218
Standard
Total 606 150 49 805

Translations Strategies:
1. Partially Translated
In some cases, a part or parts of the source language text are left untranslated.
They are simply transferred to end incorporated in the target language text. This
procedure is observed in two-word or three-word compound terms. Besides, it is
done in two ways in which, the initial part of the word term is borrowed as such
and the rest of the word term is translated i.e., source language +Target
language =translation. For example, the following table provides a few words
that are partially translated.

SI English Word Partially Translated Telugu Word

No.
1. Folic acid
2. Computer sciences
3. Cottage cheese
4. Cream cheese
5. Sponging fibres

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2. Simply Transliteration
Transliteration is process by which one reads and pronounces the words and
sentences of one language using the letters and special symbols of another
language. Thus, transliteration is meant to preserve the sounds of the syllables in
words. Furthermore, it is helpful in situations where one does not know the script
of a language but knows to speak and understand the language nevertheless. For
instance, the following table provides a few words that are simply transliteration.

Sl. English Word Simply Transliteration Telugu Word

No.
1. Tamarindus Indica
2. Mangifera Indica
3. Protozoa
4. Broiler
5. Larvae

3. Equivalent: Translational equivalence is the similarity between a word (or

expression) in one language and its translation in another. This similarity results
from overlapping range of differences. A translation equivalent is a
corresponding word or expression in another language. For example, the
following table provides a few words that are translation equivalent.

Sl. English Word Equivalent Telugu Word

No.
1. Genes
2. Mutation
3. Gene therapy
4. Afforestation
5. Embryology
6. Pigments
7. Parasites
8. Sericulture

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ISSN: 2395-0595

Table: Different types of translation strategies employed

Sl. Class Translation with Completely Translation of words

No. minor change words Translated Words with both English and
Telugu words
1. 8th jeevamu Chloroplast kanajalam
2. jenyu shastram fungi cysts (koshamu)
3. Microscope Larva; Dehydrates Antigens
4. Dwinama karanam dwikundalini prathi rakshakalu
5. 9th karbanam spatikalu Centrosome
6. hydrogen Polysaccharide tharavath kendramu
7. varna drayalu plasma pora Cancer
8. limposites tharavathkendramu Epithelial
9. 10th kinvanamu Avarnika Plasma
10. Hrudaya kandaram Systole Vinala grandhulu
11. fatty amlalu Diastole kotaralu
12. Sporozoite Blastomere Lipid

Partial suffix borrowed and Partial prefix is translated

It has been found that most of the scientific terms did not have prefix and suffixes
but some words have plural markers such as amino acids, fallopian tubes,
and graffian follicles and so on have plural markers in English. The suffix
added in Telugu is lu whereas a few words have prefix and suffixes for
example Biofertilizers in this word the prefix Bio and suffix is s is written
in Telugu as Bio and sa (prefix) and sa (suffix). For many words, there are no
prefix and suffix both in Telugu and English.

Problems and factors

For the first time, Radhakrishna (p. 86-92, 1990) discusses translation of
technical terms and the problems of translating technical terms, the confusion due
to technical terms which have both general and context specific meanings.
Further, he cautions translators to be careful and to put in a lot more efforts while
translating technical terms than they are used to do.

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ISSN: 2395-0595

Chekuri Ramarao (2003) discusses technical terms in Telugu with reference to

Linguistics terminology. And translators and terminologists work in quite
different modes, the first dealing with language in use and the second with
language as a conceptual system. Hence, Sager, J.C. (1962) &Sharma (1962)
differentiated that: translators generally attempt to match the largest possible
units of meanings as they arise in a specific text, terminologists have no interest
in temporary and casual collocations of concepts and terms in context, and they
isolate terms from context and fit them into an abstract system of concepts. Their
capacity as readers and writers, translators perform the process of matching
textual units with a high degree of intuition. Terminologists, by contrast, always
work analytically and describe the results of their analysis in the peculiar text
form of glossaries or dictionary entries by the principle of synthesis (Sager, 2001:
251).
Pronunciation
To find out phonetic differences between the acquired/borrowed words, both
notations were included along with the selected terms taken up for descriptive
analysis in the given table. Additionally, the words were compared in terms of
consonants and consonants clusters, voice and voiceless sounds, silent letters,
long and short vowels in both languages, and transcribing English and Telugu
medium words. Among the collected words, some words are borrowed words.
The phonetic transcription of (Sanskrit words) both English and Telugu textbooks
of some words are given in the brackets hyphen is used. When such practices
occurred in the textbook, they were meticulously documented.
Prominent Phonetic sounds in Sanskrit. (Based on the examples given by
Donappa (1974)

Sl. No. Telugu Sanskrit Prakrit

1. Alupamu (meager) alpa alpha
2. Nidhura (sleep) nidhraa nidhaa
3. Rathiri (night) raathri rathhi
4. Laganamu (wedding) lagna lagha

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Pronunciation: The Differences between English and Telugu with regard to the
use of pronunciation and its features such as the use of consonants and consonant
clusters, voiced and voiceless sounds, silent letters, long and short vowels, etc.

The word protista has pr and st are consonants cluster in English and in
Telugu its completely consonants cluster. In the word chloroplast, kl,pl,st are
three consonant cluster but in Telugu it has four consonant clusters with vowel
sound. The word protozoa has one consonant cluster, that is pr and in Telugu,
it has all consonant clusters. Consonant cluster is defined as occurring two
consonant sounds side by side in a word. Sometimes consonants cluster may have
two or three cluster in a word or for some words, clusters may not be found. As
explained in the above words, some words have one consonant cluster, some has
two or three cluster and for some words there is no consonant cluster in both
English and Telugu words. Every syllable has a vowel and consonant cluster in
both English and Telugu word. Some differences are found in both the language.

The word microscope has become microscopu in Telugu p has become pu

in Telugu there is change in the pronunciation. Some words are differentiated in
pronunciation, some words in spelling some English words are not pronounced in
Telugu. For instance, the word mildews has become mildu in Telugu the
sound s is not pronounced in Telugu. Another word in English cysts has
become cystu in Telugu the letter s has become u in Telugu. Consonant
sound has become vowel sound in Telugu the word lactic acid has become
lactic acid in Telugu. English la has become le in Telugu and the word a is
pronounced as ya (yacid) in English whereas in Telugu it is written a sound
and also pronounced as acid so the change is English a has become ya
whereas in Telugu it pronounced as a acid.

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ISSN: 2395-0595

The following table provides a few words that indicate the changes in the
pronunciation form English to Telugu.

Sl. No. Word English word Telugu word

Pronunciation Pronunciation
1. Microscope /mkrskp/ /mkr:sk:p/
2. Anthrax /'nrks/ /nr:ks/
3. Protista /pr'tist/ /pr:tst:/
4. Chloroplast /kl:r()plast, -pl:st, / kl:r:pl:st/
5. Protozoa /,prt(),z/ /pr:t:d:v /
6. Malaria /ml:r// /mlerj: /
7. Amoebiasis /,ami:bss/ /jemi:bj:sis /
8. Amoeba /mi:b/ /mi:b:/
9. Moulds /mldz/ /m:ldl/
10. Gymnosperm /dmn()sp:m/ /dmn:sperm/
11. Virology /vrldi/ /var:ld /
12. Bacteria /baktri/ / b:kti:rj: /
13. Eukaryotes /ju:kart/ /j:k:rj:ts/
14. Polio /pl/ /p:lj: /
15. Aids /edz/ /jeds /

Major findings: The findings of the present paper are as follows:

Problems of regarding translation strategies

Existing Glossaries are not the sufficient translation aids for translating
textbooks at high school level.

When the equivalent translation of two words is not available, the words
should not be used together. Instead there should be some space between the
two.
Lack of adopting a specific strategy while translating complex/compound
sentences into simple ones.

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ISSN: 2395-0595

Problems of finding and adopting equivalent words of prepositions from

English to Telugu
Following the strategies of translating idiomatic expressions as they are into
Telugu or English.
Lack of concentrating on the idea of a paragraph/discourse instead of
translating every sentence.
Lack of retaining both the main idea and style of the author during the
translation a paragraph/discourse.
Lack of referring appropriate dictionaries during the translation.

The strategy of borrowed is highly practiced and the rest of the strategies are
neglected.

Sometimes the translator/s seems to be adopting the strategy of giving the

English word along with the replaced word in Telugu using brackets.

1. The preferred translation strategy seems to be that of transliterating.

Acquiring the new word, a conceptual tool, as it is into Telugu. The
translators, instead of coining new terms, seem to be in favor of acquiring the
word and enlarging the repertoire of Telugu to be the vehicle of science.

2. Using the existing terms in Telugu, either taking recourse to glossaries

prepared earlier or coining of new terms seems to be the second option.

3. The third option seems to be that of keeping the root word as it is in Telugu
but inflecting it with Telugu Pratyayas or half-transliteration half-translation
seems to be the newly emerging option, but this strategy is used less
frequently.

4. The borrowing/acquiring is also problematic in the long run as the purpose of

understanding the concept is important.

Problems of translators:

Lack of Competency in both languages.

Lack of the cultural, geographical, and regional awareness in the two
languages.
Lack of Socio-cultural background in which the texts are written.

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Lack of understanding the idiom of the two languages

Lack of understanding the style of the author which should be retained and
strictly followed.
Lack of proper coordination between textbook preparing bodies and
Non-availability of subject specific glossaries and dictionaries.
Reviewing after obtaining feedback is a necessary procedure if the textbooks
have to realize the objectives of learning.
Lack of involvement from the stakeholders during curriculum framing and
reviewing.

Problems of pronunciation during translation:

Telugu phonetic pronunciation pattern along with the script plays a major role
in Translation.

The tendency is clearly towards borrowing with phonetic modifications.

Phonetic modifications either occur consciously to suit the Telugu phonetic

pattern or due to inadequate knowledge of proper pronunciation of source
language word.

Producing the established, understandable Telugu word along with the

English word in brackets would be an ideal way to go about it.

When it comes to modifying the acquired/borrowed word according to the

Telugu pronunciation pattern, as there is no consistency.

Reference

1. Kothari, D. S. (1972 & 1962). Scientific & Technical Terminology in Indian

Languages in Trends in Scientific Terminology edited by O.P.Sharma. New
Delhi. NBEP. pp 01-10.
2. Krishnamurti, B., & Gwynn, J.P.L (1985). A Grammar of Modern Telugu.
Delhi: Oxford University Press.
3. Lakshmi, H. (2007). Translation Studies: Theory and Practice. Hyderabad.
Book links Corporation.

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4. Radhakrishna, B. (1990). Bhashashastra Vyasalu Paaribaashika Padaalu-

Telugu Anuvaadalu,
5. Ramarao, Ch. (1982). Telugu lo Velugulu (2003), (Telugulo (Basha)
Shashtra Paribhasha, (pp. 171-184).
6. Ramarao, Ch. (2003). Telugulo (Basha) Shashtra Paribhasha.
7. Sager, J.C. (1962). the Encyclopedia of Translation Studies,
8. Sharma, O.P. (1972 & 1962). The Medium of Science Education in Trends
in Scientific Terminology New Delhi. NBEP. pp 39-49
9. Dictionaries
10. Brown C .P.1986 (1983). Dictionary of English Telugu.
11. Telugu Akademi. (1978). English-Telugu Dictionary, Hyderabad: Telugu
Akademi.

About the Authors

Kuncham Venkanna, holds an M.A. (English Literature), a Master of Education
(M.Ed.), an M. Phil., (English Language Education) all with first classes as well
as he has got qualified for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)-UGC/NET in both
English Literature and Education. His publications are varied. He has immense
exposure towards teaching of English for eight years at the secondary,
undergraduate and Post-Graduate levels.The author is presently a Senior
Research Fellow (SRF) in the department of English Language Education (ELE)
from the English & Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, India.
(kunchamvenkanna@gmail.com)

Ravinder Padya, holds an M.A. (English) and B.Ed. from Kakatiya University
and later he did M. Phil., (Translation Studies). His publications are varied. He
has taught English at the UG & PG levels for six years. The author is presently a
Senior Research Fellow (SRF) in the department of Translation Studies (TS)
from the English & Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, India.
(ravinderpadya@gmail.com)

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